Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-10-06
K.nnebee Light and Hea, Co.

| The legislature in February last chartered
the Kennebec Light and Heat Company, and
authorized the Augusta Gas Light Company
| to sell its property and franchise to it. Il
also gave the Kennebec Light and Heat Com
pauy full authority to purchase the property
and franchise of the Gardiner Gas Light
| Company, and gave ii authority TO furnish
| light and heat in HallowelI In ether words,
the Kennebec Light and Heat Company was
organized in order to combine the lighting of
Augusta, Hallowell and Gardiner by gas and
electricity under one corporation. The prop
erty of the Augusta Gas Light Company has
been transferred TO the Kennebec Light and
Heat Company.
| 1t is well known to our citizens that this
gas plant was established in 1858, aud like
everything else. it has worn out The new
management came into possession in 1885.
Large sums have been expended since the
present management assumed control in 1885,
in making permanent repairs at the old works
and in putting in a new gas plant, which was
done last ear st very large expense. New
main pipes for distribution were laid in the
principal streets, and it was found that the
gas-holder and the purifiers were not of sufi
cient capacity to properly hold and purify
the gas used here in Augusta. So
this spring the company contracted
to build large holder on their property
just north of the gas house, of As, 900 cubic
feet capacity. THIS holder has been built in
most substantial manner of brick aud iron,
and in about fifteen days will be entirely
completed. The company are now building
large purifiers of most improved pattern, so
that when these are completed, which will be
sometime in the month of October, the gas
company will have an entirely new plant.
brilliancy and purity. The difficulty that the
company have met with is, that the purifiers
ware so small they could not properly purify
the gas that has passed through them, and so
had its proper brilliancy. The pipes have
clogged up, the gas has burned poorly, and
there has been much complaint. The man-
agement realized this fully, and determine
to do everything in their power to remedy it.
Our citizens can rest assured that before the
month is out the difficulty they have exper-
fenced will have passed away, and if the
plant is maintained, as it undoubtedly will be,
will never reoccur. This holder and these
purifiers have been bailt by skilled workmen,
and reflect great credit upon the superintend-
ent of the company, Mr.. j. W. Averill, under
whose immediate management the work has
been conducted. Mr.. Averill il one of the
Oldest gas men in the country, he has devoted
his entire life to the business, and the gas
company secured his services this sum
mer, determined to have one of the most
experienced and skilled men that could be
obtained. He is familiar with every detail
of gas making, and is very anxious to give
the citizens of Augusta perfect supply of
the best quality
On the east side of the river the Kennebec
Light and Heat Company have leased from
the Edwards Mfg. Company power, and are
erecting building to generate their electrici-
ty. The building will be sixty feet in length
and thirty-six feet wide. one story in height
The plans have been drawn by Mr.. P. G.
Holmes o, Gardiner, who is building the txo
large wheels for the company. which are to
be used in furnishing the power for the cleo
trio light station. This building, it is be-
lieved. will be thoroughly equipped and in
running operation by the first of November.
The company have contracted for their poles,
have their wire on hand, and will be ready to
furnish electricity in Augusta, Hallowell and
Gardiner during the fall. The company have
made arrangements with Mr.. II. A. Taber.
who will wirs all dwellings for persons who
may desire t. use the electric light. Mr.
TGber will have with him al experienced
electrician, and any information desired con-
corning the cost of wiring, lamps, etc., will
be gladly given by MIR. Tsber. These i'm
provements have cost good deal of money,
and the company is assuming quite risk. as
they establish the electric light plant without
seeking TO obtsin customers. They are en-
titled to great credit for the way they have
pushed this matter, and we regard these en-
terprises as essentially part of Augusta S
! boom